Akali leader who passed away in custody in 1926; 1882-1926

Teja Singh Samundri

A former cavalryman turned Sikh educator, Teja Singh Samundri helped found the SGPC and the newspaper Akali. He was arrested over the Jaito morcha in 1923 and passed away in custody, refusing to buy his release by promising to work the 1925 Act.

1882–1926

Born

20 February 1882[EoS]

Died

17 July 1926[EoS]

Life

He was born on 20 February 1882 at Rai ka Burj in Amritsar district and left the 22nd Cavalry after three and a half years to work for religious and social reform. He helped set up Khalsa schools in the canal colonies and protested over Gurdwara Rakab Ganj.[EoS]

The Akali years

He was vice-president of the SGPC and jailed over the keys. He led a council of action at Guru ka Bagh, was arrested on 13 October 1923, and passed away in custody on 17 July 1926. The SGPC's Teja Singh Samundri Hall at Amritsar carries his name.[EoS][EoS]

Images

Master Tara Singh with other Akali leaders after release from jail in 1926, with a portrait of Teja Singh Samundri on a chair at the centre.
Unknown, c. September 1926. Public domain. Source